Former student accuses James Hooker of intimate relationship

MODESTO, CA - The Modesto man who created national headlines for leaving his wife and children for an 18-year-old former student, was in a Modesto court Tuesday.

A preliminary hearing was held to determine if there's enough evidence against James Hooker for the case to go to trial.

The 31-year-old woman, who was 17 at the time of her romance with Hooker, said they became intimate at Hooker's mother's house in Stanislaus County. She said he was on the phone with his wife within minutes of their intimacy. She testified Hooker was more than aware she was 17 because they discussed her age often.

The alleged victim was called Jane Doe in court. She said she felt obligated to come forward about their relationship when she saw Hooker getting widespread media attention for his affair with 18-year-old Jordan Powers.

Powers' mother Tammie Powers was in the courthouse expecting to testify Tuesday. She was never called, but said to reporters her daughter is living with Hooker, while working full time and going to school part-time.

The judge said he'll rule in three weeks on whether this case deserves a trial.

Hooker is expected to be in court on Oct. 23 when the judge reads a ruling on the statue of limitations and the preliminary hearing.